Although it does help reduce reflections somewhat, the curved shape of Samsung's UNHU9000 4K TV does nothing else to improve image quality, and in some subtle ways actually impairs it. And it costs a whole lot more than a flat TV.

For the first time since the death of the CRT, numerous nonflat televisions will make it onto store shelves. But has the drive to differentiate and turn a profit bent these boob tubes far beyond beneficial?